PAR releases 2012 voters’ guide to proposed constitutional amendments

PAR today released a 40-page guide explaining the potential impacts of nine constitutional amendments that Louisiana voters will see on the Nov. 6 ballot, as well as the local option vote on term limits for school board members. The private, nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research organization says its analysis “will help voters understand the issues and the potential changes so they may develop their own positions on each proposition.” The propositions on the ballot address such issues as the Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly, individual gun rights, forfeiture of retirement benefits for convicted public servants, and a new property tax exemption aimed at certain non-manufacturing businesses. “Constitutional amendments are often difficult to understand even by people who follow legislative events,” says PAR President Robert Travis Scott. “The PAR Guide provides voters with the fundamental knowledge needed to grasp the complex issues and make informed voting decisions.” The guide gives background for each amendment, describes the current situation regarding the issues, offers commentary on each proposed change, and provides the arguments for and against the proposals. Since its implementation in 1974, the Louisiana Constitution has been amended 167 times. You can check out the complete guide online here.